Serpentine belt change?

[Racoon]

Originally Posted by ajchien

okay, so I have a G2, 2003 V to be sure. It does have one belt, goes over AC, power sterring, alternator, main drive etc. So if this is a serpentine belt, that means that it was built wider and more heavy than conventional belts? Does that mean there is a more extended change interval?

The 2003 CR-V Owners Manual says to "inspect and adjust" the drive belts every 30,000 miles/2 years. I don't see anywhere that it says to replace the belt. My guess is the Service Manual would have details of what the inspection might uncover that would require the replacement of the belt.

['Curly Q Links']

Originally Posted by ajchien

okay, so I have a G2, 2003 V to be sure. It does have one belt, goes over AC, power steering, alternator, main drive etc. So if this is a serpentine belt, that means that it was built wider and more heavy than conventional belts? Does that mean there is a more extended change interval?

Because the serpentine belt bends both forward and backward (compared to Gen 1 drive belts), it's a very strong belt and way wider.

I've driven without an alternator, and I've driven without power steering, and I used to get along without Air Conditioning. I'd hate to do all three at the same time, so I guess I'd be careful to inspect / change the serpentine belt if I ever get a Gen II / Gen III.

[ajchien]

Some folks at the Element owners club website changes his serpentine belt every 60k, here I am with both an 03 V and an 03 E at around 90k - at it seems this belt is so far rock solid.

Yeah, I keep inspecting the belt, and it always looks good. The tensioner never wavers from the correct mark.

Yeah, though, it would seriously suck not to have the alternator, power steering etc. working all at the same time.

I've driven without the alternator working before too, but I needed my headlights since it was raining. Everything is okay on the freeway, but when you get into stop and go driving - the battery drains quickly and then you're dead stuck.

[tsmithvt]

There is one very big addition to the things we can't live without (PS, ALT & A/C). On the K24A1, the water pump is driven by the "back" side of the serpentine belt. We won't get very far without that no matter what the weather.

http://www.slhondaparts.com/browse.asp?Model=CR-V&Year=2006&TrimLevel=5DR+EX+4WD&TransLevel=5MTKA& Section=A&Category=E++15++|WATER+PUMP&Doors=5&Emis sions=KA&PartCatalogId=14S9A6&ViewParts=true

[chrisct]

Is there a DIY tool you can use to release tension on the auto tensioner to remove/replace the belt? The service manual refers to a special tool, but on my other cars I've used either a long wrench or in one case a hex bolt.

[sgtsandman]

Sorry, each vehicle is different, so I can't say. Some use a regular 3/8" breaker bar, others a special tool. Since I don't have a gen 2 or 2.5, I don't know what tool would be useful.

Time to chime in fellas!

[ajchien]

Here's the EOC link on the serpentine belt:

http://www.elementownersclub.com/for...lt+replacement

[VTECBuddy]

Sgt I can chime in for gen 2 maintenance:
I didn’t want to buy a special tool to remove the tension on the belt. I bent up a wrench and made my own. With just a turbotorch. I hope this helps the people on this forum, I have gained much from your help and tips.
First photo, the cracked up old belt:
DSC00784.jpg

Second the tool I made out of a 12mm and 14mm combination box-end wrench:
DSC00804.jpg

Third, the wrench in place :
DSC00809.jpg

And with some extra leverage (is this still called a snipe?)
DSC00814.jpg
You people have helped me very much with the maintenance of my 2003 CRV, I hope some of you can benefit from this. The main benefit is: If you do it yourself you have peace of mind, as in you know what was done and it was done right. (!) and thanks to the guy (Box4Rox?) on the elementowners club for the diagram and other information.
Bud

[roadster]

Originally Posted by Racoon

The 2003 CR-V Owners Manual says to "inspect and adjust" the drive belts every 30,000 miles/2 years. I don't see anywhere that it says to replace the belt. My guess is the Service Manual would have details of what the inspection might uncover that would require the replacement of the belt.

my Opiniion on this and its only a cent or 2 wrth nothing.

BELT can be changed at certain intervals:

When the timing is replaced, at what schedule is it stated, not at the BR office, so why change every 60K?

The BELT can be changed prematurely, and kept as a spare, in case New one snaps.

There is no life expentency, the belt can snap at any time, due to extreme conditions, or unexpected suprizes.

having a serpent does not mean it is better stronger etc, it means that it i one belt running multiple system or items. if ONE belt snaps running Multiple systems, well it is a better chance that something else can go wrong as well. ifcontinued down the road.

How easy it is TODAY to change , tighter , tougher, but somethinghtat will getdone in under a hour. and making sure kept to spec.

Have I done one yet. many years ago, on a older system. have I a chance to do this in an open area like a Murcury cruiser engine int he open SUPER_SIMPLE nothing in the way of a boat engine. lol

I am not a pro. this is a forum, and it is only a comment and nothing more

[havanabama]

I have a 2001, 3 belts, A/C, Power Steering, and Alternator. Looking for a alternator belt online shows only a sep belt, what gives?? Also the Alt belt is closest to the engine so the other 2 have to come off to get to it...my question the A/c belt has a idler arm/pully. Does the large bolt sticking out of the idler with a locking nut adjust to relieve the tension so the belt will come off???